'Hamilton' movie to premiere on Disney+ July 3, instead of 2021 theatrical release

Erin Jensen USA TODAY

Tuesday

May 12, 2020 at 10:54 AM

Alexander Hamilton meet Disney+.

"Hamilton," the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda, is coming to the small screen, premiering on the Disney streaming service on July 3.

Miranda and Disney previously announced in February that a film version of the hugely popular Tony-winning musical featuring the original Broadway cast would hit theaters in October 2021.

Miranda joined executive chairman of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger to make the announcement on "Good Morning America" Tuesday, lauding the film’s ability to preserve the performance of the past.

“We filmed this over three days in June of 2016," he said. "It was the week before the principals started to leave, I think it was the week before Pippa (Phillipa Soo), Leslie (Odom Jr.) and I left, and Ariana DeBose from the ensemble… And it just captures that moment in time so beautifully.

"Watching it brings me right back there with that incredible, once-in-a-lifetime company," he added. "And I just can’t wait for you to see it."

Miranda praised director Tommy Kail during the "GMA" announcement.

"He's basically given everyone at home the best seat in the house," said Miranda, "and it's a thrilling experience. He really threads the needle between these cinematic close-ups and widening out and seeing the show from the center aisle of the Richard Rodgers Theatre.”

The official Instagram account for the production also announced the news Tuesday.

"Shout it to the rooftops!" the caption read. "The original Broadway production of Hamilton, filmed LIVE onstage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, is now coming exclusively to @DisneyPlus this ‪July 3rd.‬ #Hamilfilm"

Users of the social media site shared their delight in the comments.

"Oh. My. God!!! This is the best birthday present for my son ever!" one exclaimed.

"This going in my planner in PEN and it will NOT get corona-ed!!!!!" wrote another user, referring to the numerous delays caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Unlike movie musicals such as "Les Miserables," "Chicago" and most recently "Cats" that were Hollywood versions of the Broadway shows, "Hamilton" is a filmed version of the stage production – recorded in June 2016 – that's "a live theatrical experience that feels just as immediate in your local movie theater," Miranda said in a statement at the time.

Original cast members appearing include Miranda as Hamilton, Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Renee Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler, Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr, Christopher Jackson as George Washington and "Frozen" star Jonathan Groff as King George.

The musical won 11 Tonys and was awarded the 2016 Pulitzer Price for drama as well as a Grammy Award for best musical theater album.

The "Hamilton" film continues Miranda's fruitful relationship with Disney. He earned an Oscar nomination for "How Far I'll Go," one of the songs he wrote for the 2016 animated film "Moana," and was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in the studio's "Mary Poppins Returns." Miranda is also contributing to the studio's upcoming remake of its animated classic "The Little Mermaid."

Miranda and more than a dozen cast members from the show reunited over video chat on John Krasinski's "Some Good News," last month to brighten the birthday of a 9-year-old Florida resident, Aubrey, who was crushed when a Jacksonville performance of the musical was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Krasinski and his wife, actress Emily Blunt promised the girl they'd fly her family to New York and get them tickets to see "Hamilton" when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

The young girl's face instantly lit up, but the surprises didn't end there. Miranda "Zoom bombed" the interview with some good news of his own.

"I think we can top that right now," he teased. "If you can't go to 'Hamilton,' we're bringing 'Hamilton' to you."

Aubrey then watched in shock as Miranda and more than a dozen cast members, each at his or her own home, sang "Alexander Hamilton" from the hit show.